The 7 Most Jaw-Dropping Train Journeys That Don’t Feel Real

There’s something magical about train travel — the gentle sway, the dramatic landscapes, and the feeling of being swept into a storybook scene. Whether it’s snow-capped mountains or golden canyons rushing past your window, these scenic rail routes will give you main character energy all the way.

Here are 7 U.S. train rides so beautiful, they feel straight out of a movie.

1. 🚞 Amtrak’s California Zephyr – Chicago to San Francisco

One of the most legendary long-distance routes in the U.S., the Zephyr takes you through the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and endless cinematic views.
✨ Don’t miss: Glenwood Canyon, Colorado — it’s like riding through a real-life IMAX film.

2. 🏔️ White Pass & Yukon Route – Skagway, Alaska

This historic narrow-gauge railway climbs through tunnels, glaciers, and jaw-dropping cliffs — all while feeling like a scene from a gold rush adventure.
✨ Don’t miss: The dizzying views from the train bridges — cameras out!

3. 🍁 Amtrak’s Adirondack – New York City to Montreal

Running along the Hudson River and through the Adirondack Mountains, this line offers gorgeous fall foliage and lakeside magic.
✨ Don’t miss: The stretch between Albany and Saratoga Springs in autumn is postcard-perfect.

4. 🌲 Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad – New Mexico to Colorado

This 1880s-era steam train rolls through mountain meadows, forests, and deep gorges — it’s slow travel with all the vintage vibes.
✨ Don’t miss: Riding in an open gondola car for full-on wind-in-your-hair drama.

5. 🐎 Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – Colorado

This train hugs cliffs, canyons, and wild rivers, making you feel like you’ve stepped onto an old Western movie set.
✨ Don’t miss: The views as you ride above the Animas River are nothing short of jaw-dropping.

6. 🚠 Cass Scenic Railroad – West Virginia

Once used to haul timber, this vintage train now hauls leaf peepers and mountain lovers up into the Appalachians.
✨ Don’t miss: The Bald Knob overlook — one of the highest points in the state.

7. 🌄 Grand Canyon Railway – Williams to Grand Canyon Village, AZ

Want a dramatic entrance to one of the Seven Natural Wonders? This historic ride through the high desert delivers Wild West vibes and big sky beauty.
✨ Don’t miss: The cowboy-themed train robbery reenactment — it’s cheesy in the best way.

🎬 All Aboard the Aesthetic Express

These trains don’t just take you places — they take you somewhere cinematic. So next time you’re craving a journey that’s slow, scenic, and seriously aesthetic, hop a ride and enjoy the view.